Recognise Bank opens regional Leeds hub

The hub will be the base for a number of the lender’s business development managers, with access to regionally-based underwriters.

Recognise Bank already has hubs in London, Birmingham and Manchester, with more planned in the years ahead. 

The new hub is based in Platform (pictured), the Bruntwood SciTech building located within the city’s digital and tech cluster. Leeds has a growing reputation as a fintech centre, with local tech firms attracting more than £40m in investment last year.

Recognise Bank emphasised its intent on supporting growing businesses which are poorly served by big banks, noting that these are often found in regions like Leeds, outside of London and the South East. It launched in November, targeting property professionals with a range of lending products across the commercial mortgage, professional buy-to-let and bridging loan space.

James Maigh, regional director north at Recognise Bank, said the growth of technology firms in Leeds demonstrated how “vibrant” the region was.

He continued: “But other business sectors are in great health and are keen to work with financial partners and professionals that understand the local economic environment and can help them grow.

“Leeds is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most important financial services sectors outside of London, so it is a great place for Recognise Bank to base itself as we look to grow and serve even more customers in the north.”